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A review by karlakayjenniges
The Cabin Sessions by Isobel Blackthorn
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
"Every human is flawed. I know that. No matter how hard we strive for perfection, we'll never achieve it."
A gathering of old friends come together to celebrate their love of music. The cabin is a place they have performed many times throughout their lives. They are gathered once again to mourn the loss of their musical mentor. It is the Eve of Christmas, a blood moon is rising and a storm is brewing. But the outside storm is not the only menacing force that these small town residents of Burton are dealing with. Small town secrets from the past and present are slowly revealed. Mistrust, violence, and ugliness ensues as the tension rises within the walls of the cabin.
This was a very character driven story delving into the psyches of each individuals minds. The control of the kinsfolk doling out excommunication upon the residents because of sinful natures and the effects it had upon the small town residents. The secrecy of their unlawful deeds, deception, unhealthy relationships, inner turmoil and their interlocking lives are all revealed as the story unfolds.
The atmosphere the author builds is claustrophobic and continues to close in as each of these unlikable but intriguing characters face the destructiveness they have caused upon humanity and themselves.
The Cabin Sessions is a very slow paced, slow-burn mystery centering on the past and present lives of the inhabitants of Burton and the darkness that lies within.
Giving this one an appropriate star rating is a tough one for me. I liked the atmosphere, the prose was often times engaging, and even though the characters were unlikable I was still intrigued by them and the outcome of the story. The most difficult was the unrelenting slow pace until the last few chapters.
I admit it was not easy to stick with and I actually ended up getting it from audible so I could listen to it and read it at the same time. That truly was my saving grace in being able to stick to it until the end.
A gathering of old friends come together to celebrate their love of music. The cabin is a place they have performed many times throughout their lives. They are gathered once again to mourn the loss of their musical mentor. It is the Eve of Christmas, a blood moon is rising and a storm is brewing. But the outside storm is not the only menacing force that these small town residents of Burton are dealing with. Small town secrets from the past and present are slowly revealed. Mistrust, violence, and ugliness ensues as the tension rises within the walls of the cabin.
This was a very character driven story delving into the psyches of each individuals minds. The control of the kinsfolk doling out excommunication upon the residents because of sinful natures and the effects it had upon the small town residents. The secrecy of their unlawful deeds, deception, unhealthy relationships, inner turmoil and their interlocking lives are all revealed as the story unfolds.
The atmosphere the author builds is claustrophobic and continues to close in as each of these unlikable but intriguing characters face the destructiveness they have caused upon humanity and themselves.
The Cabin Sessions is a very slow paced, slow-burn mystery centering on the past and present lives of the inhabitants of Burton and the darkness that lies within.
Giving this one an appropriate star rating is a tough one for me. I liked the atmosphere, the prose was often times engaging, and even though the characters were unlikable I was still intrigued by them and the outcome of the story. The most difficult was the unrelenting slow pace until the last few chapters.
I admit it was not easy to stick with and I actually ended up getting it from audible so I could listen to it and read it at the same time. That truly was my saving grace in being able to stick to it until the end.